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The new Milwaukee M18 chainsaw, which was released just a few months ago, is an amazing beast. At last year’s new tool media event, Milwaukee discussed the new High Output batteries, and ways the new chainsaw was designed to take advantage of the new batteries’ higher current capabilities.

Milwaukee’s claims was that it was powerful, faster than gas, and could deliver up to 150 cuts per charge. On paper, the new Milwaukee cordless chainsaw does look to be better than gas.

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But how well does it perform?

We requested a test sample from Milwaukee, and put it in the hands of an experienced tree service professional. They had started a job with several gas chainsaws from top brands, and I handed off the Milwaukee saw with a fully charged 12.0Ah battery.

Not all the above trees were cut using the Milwaukee chainsaw; the image is intended to show the context of the job that day. I witnessed the M18 saw being used on one of the large trees, and on some large-limb trimming tasks. I didn’t stick around to watch everything, because it can skew things.

After about an hour I checked back with the tree service pro who had been using it. “So, what do you think?”

Wow, it’s quiet.

Cuts fast.

Feels good.

A quick count showed 3 Stihl gas saws and 1 Echo on the field. There might have been more.

Checking back again, I saw the pro filing a tooth on one of the blades. The saw had hit something metal from an old clothes line install or similar. There were two other saws nearby, ready to be used, but he had wanted to continue using the Milwaukee. To me, that made a strong statement about how good the new Milwaukee chainsaw really is, as it demonstrated an immediate preference.

I’ll be checking in with the tree service company soon, to see how well the Milwaukee M18 cordless chainsaw has worked for them over time, and how it compares to the many gas engine chainsaws they’ve been using alongside it. I can try to pass along any questions you might have about the chainsaw’s performance or use.

Features and Specs

M18 Fuel brushless motor

16″ Oregon bar and chain

Designed to provide the power and performance of gas engines up to 40cc

The kit comes with a Rapid Charger and HD12.0Ah battery. They say it’s compatible with all M18 batteries, but will work best with an HD or High Output high capacity battery. If you don’t have an HD12.0 battery, you’ll probably want to get the kit.

If you’ve used this saw, what do you think of it? Would you agree with the fast, quiet, good assessment?

I have to assume it’s similar/same to the echo 58V cordless model since they are also made by the TTI group – have similar capacities.

Since I suspect milwaukee has a good product I will say this about the high power cordless chainsaw. It comes up on speed faster and smoother – and can do so while starting a cut. I guess what I should say – is it acts like a larger motor gas chainsaw in that there is plenty of torque for a job – but more immediate. Provided it can run over an hour at a time (and I suspect that’s easy) then with all the other features of a pro chain saw (tensioner, chain type, oiler) they are going to be as good or better.

The Echo I got – I would happily use all day if I had to because there is less vibration and noise. I’d even say it’s a bit safer in that you can feel the chain action better – because it runs smoother but that’s debatable. I would assume this device would work just as well. I suspect the milwaukee lasts longer on a battery but I wonder.

No they’re not; you’re both wrong. Are you thinking of Ego, which is a Chervon brand?

Echo is owned by Yamabiko.

Correction: There do appear to be links between Echo 58V cordless tools and TTI. One World Technologies is listed as the customer service company on Echo’s standalone cordless tools site, which would suggest that their cordless outdoor power tools are developed and marketed by TTI.

You learn something every day. I did not pay attention to the fact that Kioritz (the parent company for my now somewhat ancient Echo stuff) had been merged with Shindaiwa into Yamabiko

BTW – I also saw recently that Robert Sorby (as in English Chisels) is part of an entity called The Superactive Group – which in turn is owned by the China-based Super Fame Holdings. They also own Spear&Jackson (mostly gardening tools), Eclipse Tools (saw blades etc.), Bowers Metrology and several other companies.

That’s what I was alluding to – all the ECHO 58V cordless stuff has their name on it – but is all but shuned by any ECHO repair center and even ECHO themselves. If you call the main ECHO number for repair they immediately say you must go to the ECHO CORDLESS website etc etc.

I have the cordless hedge trimmer too – which gets high reviews – but yes there are a larger number of bad reviews on them quitting. Mine falls into this camp and I can’t seem to get it repaired. I tried a few times and finally gave up they won’t even send me a replacement. So I’m not ever buying another Echo Cordless item. The way they implemented that whole system is just wrong to me. incidentally all the milwaukee outdoor equipment looks nearly identical to the echo with minor changes for the battery shape. Not that I’m surprised. I suspect being an actual TTI company – they will get better customer service.

After watching the Bolt’r guy’s video comparing the internal build quality of the Milwaukee cordless chainsaw with the Dewalt 60v, I got curious about my Makita 36 v saw and took it apart a bit to compare with the internals of the Dewalt and Milwaukee he had opened up.

I’ll say the Makita seemed to be better made in almost all the points than both the Dewalt and Milwaukee saws. No surprise I guess seeing as how Makita / Dolmar has a long history of quality saws.

The first Makita 12” 36v chainsaw dual battery version I had was made in Japan; quite a few of their specialized or oddball cordless tools still are. Their current cordless jigsaws are made in the UK.

The current 14” chainsaw I own , is the one I tore into a bit for comparison, is made in China, like many in their current lineup, and probably Milwaukee too.

Probably whatever company’s tool platform you’re already bought into is the chainsaw you should buy, but if you’re simply buying into a cordless chainsaw only, might pay to compare the internal build quality…

The Makita/Dolmar saws are excellent, and are real screamers when comparing stock for stock with other brands. Their reliability is also on par with any other brand, Home Depot uses them as rentals which is a pretty strong indication of their long term durability. Not to say Stihls or Husquvarnas are not reliable or durable.

Nice to read of someone that actually had the Makita x2 battery saw apart. I’ve been wanting an electric or battery saw to use indoors as my Husky 372 doesn’t lend itself to using in an echo chamber with poor ventilation. From what I’ve been able to find the x2 brushless saw cuts faster than their corded 16″ offering. That and having an extension cord on a chainsaw, in my experience, is incredibly inconvenient as well as a liability.

I got one when they first came out last summer/fall. Replaced the underpowered Ryobi cordless I had been using. I took out a couple 12” branches and trimmed down several huge cottonwood stumps in preparation for grinding them out. The larger one of these was 4 ft tall and 6 ft across. That was a painful job with the Milwaukee and took a few hours across a couple three days. Lots of overheating of the battery and swapping the 12 out with a 9 and a 5 (which iirc was laughably short running) Would have been a lot easier with a gas saw and a longer bar. But that’s the largest of anything I needed to cut in the foreseeable future and it did get the job done. And sure is nice not to have to deal with fuel and constant noise.

It’s a great saw and agree with the assessment. I do prefer using it with a 6ah HO, but other than that I love it. Can leave it in the car and not know it’s there. Glad I returned the DeWalt 40v I was almost stuck with (90 day satisfaction guarantee).

My only gripe is there tensioning system. To ideally set it, you have to remove the cover to the chain.

I think gas will continue to be the way to go for the pro or hardcore amateur. I cut 6-8 cords a year, and have a collection of Husky & Stihl saws. I take the saws that fit the job, and leave the others in the shop that day (but I always leave with 2).

However, for the homeowner who runs a saw on occasion, this would be so much better than a gas saw.

This looks to be a nice saw, but yeah, its not something I’d take into the woods for cutting all day. It would eat through batteries too fast. You’d need an arm full of batteries. Plus, it’s fairly heavy for the work it can do.

Whereas a gas saw, you can go all day on a few gallons of gas and some bar oil.

If I buy another saw it will be the Stihl MS500i. That thing looks wicked.

I really want to see some reviews of this thing by people that have used it a year or more. I am hopeful anyway. I have gone through 2 electric (read: with cord) chainsaws over the last 10 years. The first was the bottom of the line echo. It lasted just a couple of times. Maybe a year in total. Next was the Worx chainsaw. This one lasted several years. Maybe 2 years ago the chain finally went, and I haven’t been able to find a replacement chain for that model.

I am eagerly waiting to see more info on the cordless models. I know stihl has one, but it has a tiny bar. I hope the Milwaukee (my preference – cause everything else is red) or Dewalt end up being great saws. Time will tell I guess.

I would argue the milwaukee one on the shelf today is already a gen 2 device since it stems from the echo 58V cordless system. I would also say I wouldn’t bother owning one of these without a milwaukee HD battery to use with it.

Best thing all of these better cordless chainsaws are doing is using a common bar and chain system. Or you move to the Stihl/Husqvarna device. I’m starting to look at the Stihl cordless system right now.

I was wondering about getting a saw that was so good and long lasting, like it sounds. I just bought a 3/4 acre property and it is half treed. It hasn’t been pruned in 5-10 years, so this summer it would get a lot of use, but after that it may be just a couple hours a year. There isn’t enough to supply firewood after the first year, so I am wondering… do I need a professional chainsaw, or should I get one that is half the price, but lasts for a tenth the usage of a Milwaukee? Almost all my tools are professional, because they got a lot of use before I retired, and it is so nice to still have them available. I want a pro chainsaw, but don’t really need it, so should I?

I am very happy with my 12” Dewalt saw, while it accepts flex volt batteries I only use it with 20V batteries because of the weight.
The weight or more the lack of weight makes it so great for my light duty work like pruning on my property and it also works for the occasional, for me bigger, trees.

I have this saw and a gas Husqvarna. I’ll grab the cordless for most uses. For limbing and small logs, battery life is ridiculous and seems to be similar to many tanks of gas. Like, hours. For bucking large logs, battery life is maybe similar to one tank, and really the gas saw is a better choice if you want to make a cord out of a large tree in 10 minutes.

Main downside is it’s a bit heavy.

I also had the DeWalt 60V and sold it. The Milwaukee is a little better overall. Surprisingly more power, run time and seems to run cooler.

We got just over 2′ of snow in Fall Creek, OR a couple of weeks ago…just outside Eugene. Trees and power lines were dropping like flies. My neighbor and I left for work in our trucks around 7 am. Two hours later we made it less than a quarter mile and had run through four tanks of chainsaw gas between two saws. Came across a huge oak wrapped in power lines…we we’re not touching anything that dangerous. We spent another two hours cutting our way back home…trees were dropping behind us. Then we didn’t have power for a week.

I’d love to own an electric saw…I have a 6″ Makita I love for limbing. But I can stash a gallon of chainsaw juice and be good for an emergency. Not sure I want to own an electric saw.

Yeah, for people working in the field, I think the vehicle charger would be pretty much a necessity. I can charge all my power tool batteries off my car, and wouldn’t have it any other way. I keep ten spare gallons of car juice in the garage, and rotate it out so it doesn’t go stale. (I add stabilizer anyway just in case I get lazy…)

I don’t even own a chainsaw. For the little bit of wood I need to dice up, I put a 12-inch wood blade in my recip and that’s done all I’ve ever asked. It’s certainly not as fast as a proper chainsaw, but it sure was cheap! 😉

I bought the saw after hurricane Michael took out trees in my yard and some friends around me. I own several gas saws huskvarna, poulan, etc. I used to love the hskvna, starts easy, cuts well, ok power 39cc, rarely stalls. Then the Milwaukee came in, power was out for about 2 weeks, gas was even harder to get. I used a generator to charge batteries, used the batteries to charge my phone and use my tools. I’ve been using the Milwaukee chainsaw fairly often for several months now. As for as the headline description goes; I’d say that it’s 100% accurate. The saw is much quieter than any gas powered, and as far as cutting power, it far surpasses the hskvna. Every time I use this saw in front of someone new they are blown away by the performance. Even after telling them the price tag, they just saw “worth every penny” and then some. My biggest pro I can give anyone reading this review would have to be, if you are on a ladder or on top of a roof, an all electric saw is the only way to go.

I find it an excellent tool. I used it last fall to help my father put up about 3 cord of dry standing red and white elm.

We used this and his 40v Ryobi. No gas saws.
The Ryobi is probably fine for most home owner and light duty use.

The only issue I ran into was overheating the battery pack while bucking a tree into firewood. This is an almost constant load on the machine. They’d shut down a bit before half drained. Swap out and cool down, use again. But that dry red elm is HARD.
I have way too many battery packs and chargers, so it wasn’t an issue for me.

But I’d say that you need a minimum of 4 HO packs and 2 rapid chargers if you want to try to run this all day. And that is an investment.

I cut 80-100 cords of firewood per year and I’ve tried nearly every electric chainsaw out there and the Milwaukee 16” is the best cordless electric chainsaw on the market to date.. the 58v Echo is very impressive as well, but it’s all about the amp hours in these batteries.. the Milwaukee high output 12.0 amp hour battery is absolutely amazing in my opinion..

I honestly can’t wait to see what the future has in store with the cordless electric chainsaw market..

BTW – I obviously don’t cut 80-100 cords of firewood per year strictly using my Milwaukee chainsaw.. I use it as much as I possibly can and it definitely serves its purpose for what I may need it for on any giving day.. I mainly use it for anything 12-14” and under in diameter..

Here’s the way I see it, if you are curious about how well the Milwaukee chainsaw performs.. I challenge you to go buy the kit on Home Depot’s website.. I believe it’s somewhere around $449 plus tax right now.. you get a 90 day return policy if you buy it from Home Depot, so you have nothing to lose.. if you don’t like it, take it back and get a full refund, no questions asked..

I’m in the same boat (I use Echo 58v and Mikwaukee). Pretty sure I will go with the Echo saw. They both seem like good products, so it comes down to 1) cost and 2) battery compatibility. The Echo line is lesser known than some others like Ego/Milwaukee, so you can sometimes get great deals on eBay on open box or even brand new Echo 58v equipment. As far as batteries go, I own some power hungry M18 tools like the mud mixer, but even with that I just do not see a real use case for the Milwaukee 12ah battery. It is a false compatibility for me. Yes it fits into smaller tools and works, but there is a 0% chance I would ever actually use it that way. I am always gonna reach for a handier battery. The only tool I would actually use the 12ah battery in would be the chainsaw. So for me it makes sense to keep my hand tool lineup separate from my outdoor tool lineup, and maintain large batteries for the outdoor tools and small/medium size batteries for hand tools. Just my 2 cents.

on the battery idea – that’s part of what lead me to the ECHO system. I’m already in the Dewalt tool system so when it came time for a new trimmer I was thinking about the Dewalt 40V but it’s a different battery – so why choose that over others. Though it gets great reviews.

I’ve always thought high draw powertools needed more voltage anyway so when the echo 58V system came out it made so much sense – and I thought – it had ECHO behind it. The attachment system alone on the trimmer was worth for me. So I now had a dedicated OPE battery platform and a different tool platform. Worked great.

Doing that from scratch today – I’m lean a bit on the EGO system, and probably still look hard at the Dewalt 40V OPE. The Dewalt is quality enough that I see some pros in my area move to it. But I also now see some using the new Stihl cordless system – with the backpack battery even. (seriously – look it up – insane)

I have the echo 58V chainsaw and I really like it but I’ll say I don’t use it hard AT ALL. I have a bit over an acre lot with some trees and I use it on my dad’s lot where we cut down a diseased Elm.

Anyway I’ll say I think the 2 saws are mostly the same – same parent company – same bar – same chain – etc. The Echo after a light delay will start spinning strong. I use the 4AH battery with mine because that’s the only batteries I have are the 4AH. So it’s heavier. But it runs – there are other reviews about the runtime and the like and I have to assume they are accurate. I was done trimming up trees and the battery still had power. The day we cut the elm down – I did that and cut 5 sections out of it – battery was probably 50% after that. IT still ran if I wanted to use it.

I have great success with the string trimmer and the chainsaw – but the hedge trimmer issue has me thinking I would buy into another platform. ECHO doesn’t want to support this and apparently neither does TTI. WHich makes sense considering they compete for shelf space. I suspect it won’t be long before ECHO abandons this and moves to the Stihl/Husqvarna 36V system – and calls it their own.

I have had the Makita 36v saw for over a year and have been using it on our Christmas tree farm in Oregon . It’s perfect to hang on the tractor and use for general maintainance around the farm. Cutting downed branches, dead trees and general clean up. With a pair of 6a batteries it lasts most of the day unless I’m using it heavily. I like the ability to buy Oregon chains and bars off Amazon pretty inexpensively. It continually surprises me how much it can cut and really like that I don’t have to carry around gas too. Naturally, the big Sthil comes out for firewood or large diameter trees. Very happy with the makita.

I am not sold on electric saws. Power to weight for the electrics is pretty terrible and battery life aint there yet. Durability is still questionable. Though none of them have been out long enough to know for sure.

For example my stihl ms660 a pro saw weighs about the same (16lb) as the Milwaukee with 12.0 battery. But the stihl will pull a 42” bar burried in oak and has 7.5hp. This is a 90cc saw and is the second largest saw Stihl makes. They litteraly cut down the rain forest with these things. Now I get it a MS660 is not a saw you want to run every day, all day. Just used it as the weights match up. I have run a ms660 all day, as my main saw, when I was a kid. Once. And I was in great physical shape back then and it still kicked my a$$. A more realistic example would be The Stihl MS261. 10.8 lbs 4hp. Great power to weight. And with these new “fuel injected” chainsaws, carburetors should never need adjusting if you use fresh gas/stabilizer.

The Stihl $600ish is similar money for a milwaukee saw and two 12 amp hr batteries assuming a 25” bar on the stihl.

I get it electrics have their niches. They are quieter and no emmissions/stinky 2 stroke smell but lugging around a heavy electric saw is going to wear you out very quickly. Tired+chainsaw=bad news. I mean I guess they figure the batteries are going to run out before you get tired?

I don’t run saws professionally any more so my saws may only run a couple times a year if that. I don’t have issues with gummed up carburetors because I use the right gas and store the saws correctly. I just pick up my saw and use them when I need them so I don’t think the electric has an advantage in this department. Come on guys mixing gas ain’t that hard Lol. Buy the premixed stuff in the can. Seriously you should though. It doesn’t have any ethanol and is high-octane gas+stabilizers.

These electric saws are the same money as a pro gas saw, are not as powerful, weigh more and I doubut they will last as long (durability). They are less noisey and don’t pollute (emmissions) but if your into being green why are you cutting down a tree tho 😉

I love all my cordless tools I just don’t think electric battery chainsaws are up to snuff YET. I fully expect that to change sooner or later tho. Maybe the next battery technology will get us there.

I will admit I am highly skeptical milwaukee battery can perform same work as three tanks of fuel in a gas saw but if thats the case I would love to see a gas vs electric shoot out video. Especially with one of the newer electronicly carbureted gas saws. If it was a legit “controlled variable” experiment I bet it would get huge views on youtube. Yes, you too can be a youtube star lol

I just thought of another point. If I’d have to stop for three tanks of fuel in the same time the Milwaukee stoped for one battery change I would also have filled the oil resivor three times in my gas saw. I would think you would almost have to do the same for the Milwaukee saw as well (assuming it has adequate chain lubing qualities). Even some of the pro gas saws do not pump enough oil into the bar so this would be a concern with the electrics for me. If I am already on the ground filling the oil tank, its not any more time to fill the gas tank. Food for thought at least.

Also the ms261 (more realistic comparison than the old and heavy ms660) is 10.8 lb vs 13.9 for the Milwaukee. 3+lb difference is huge when it comes to saws. Thanks for the heads up on the Milwaukee weight tho. Seemed way to heavy at 16ish lbs and Team Red usualy has their tools squared away.

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